1 / 14

Detective Inspector Jez Prior

‘ A Form of Questioning ’ Using witness screening questionnaires in mass-disorder. Detective Inspector Jez Prior 00 (44) 7876 790997

taber
Download Presentation

Detective Inspector Jez Prior

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript


  1. ‘A Form of Questioning’ Using witness screening questionnaires in mass-disorder Detective Inspector Jez Prior 00 (44) 7876 790997 ACPO Approved Interview Adviser jeremy.prior@sussex.pnn.police.uk

  2. The Background • Ford Prison – Cat D minimal security ‘Open’ Prison • Located in West Sussex • Capacity about 550 prisoners • Strict No alcohol policy

  3. New Years Eve 2011 • Nearly 750 prisoners on site • Two prison officers & four security officers • ‘Party’ atmosphere in certain parts of the prison • At about 8pm prison officers try and administer a breath test for one of the inmates who they suspect was drunk • Inmates Chase prison officers away • Inmates go on the rampage

  4. The Riot • Prison officers run from prison • Minority of prisoners go on rampage • Police called but back-off • Takes over 12 hours for 150 riot officers to re-gain control • No fatalities £5.1M damage

  5. The Investigation • No Forensic • No CCTV • No Suspects arrested • Was clear that eye-witness evidence would solve the case • Witness issues – • 750 prisoners • 150 prison officers • 50 fire fighters • 50 Police officers

  6. The Interview Strategy • Key issues • Identify significant witnesses • Obligations under CPIA – all reasonable lines of enquiry • Prisoners moved all round the country • How to deal with witnesses who were serving prisoners

  7. Questionnaires • Bonuses – prison was a confined area • Information available that logged each of • All prisoners in Ford prison at time • All prison officers who attended • All fire fighters • All police officers

  8. Questionnaires • Four different types – one each for • Prisoners • Prison officers who attended riot • Fire fighters • Police Officers

  9. Questionnaires • Serving Prisoners…considerations ABLE TO READ/WRITE? UNTAINTED ACCOUNT PRISONERS SAFE PLACE INTIMIDATION

  10. Prisoner Questionnaire

  11. Key to Success • Prison Governor attached to the enquiry – advised on many aspects of safe access • Prison Governor advised on engagement with those who couldn’t read or write • Questionnaire went to every prisoner – so as to not identify a ‘grass’ • Process identified 10 significant witnesses • Different tactics used to obtain accounts

  12. Outcome • Eight prisoners gave evidence as witnesses at court • Five convicted of arson with intent to endanger life and for the first time ever – prison mutiny • All five received lengthy sentences

  13. Key Messages • Questionnaires can be very productive – similar to house to house questionnaires frequently used - But not an excuse for laziness! • Keep questions open • Help witnesses de-taint themselves • Identify others who can help – prison governor / ISVA

  14. Thank you • Jez Prior • Jeremy.prior@sussex.pnn.police.uk • + 44 (0) 7876 790997

More Related